The following publications and reports have been produced by or for the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP).
Pollution prevention information and programs are supplied to residents as well as businesses within the service area.
Forms, applications and permits can be found on the "forms/permits" page.
You may make a copy of any document for your own use. However, prior to distribution of any document, in part or in whole, you must first obtain permission by calling the above number.
For further information, please call the Environmental Compliance Division at 650-329-2598.
Dry Cleaners - Dry Cleaning Operations The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plan (RWQCP) is concerned about potential dry cleaning waste discharges to the sewer system, and has instituted an educational program to ensure that dry cleaning solvent is not discharged to the sewer or storm drain system. Revision Date: 6/14/1995
Medical - Discussion Paper on Pharmaceutical Disposal to Sewer Systems (2005) This white paper has been prepared to initiate a regional dialogue regarding pharmaceutical disposal to the sewer system. It provides an overview of research on pharmaceuticals in the environment and potential actions for consideration during that regional dialogue. Revision Date: 2/1/2005
Medical - Hospital/Medical Facility Source Control Program (1999) Wastewater discharged from hospitals and medical facilities contains relatively low concentrations of pollutants. However, the mass contribution for some pollutants can be significant due to the large flows from such facilities. Revision Date: 3/1/1999
Medical - Pollution Prevention for Hospitals and Medical Facilities The RWQCP has reviewed many of the activities at the hospitals within its service area. By evaluating the waste generating activities and the waste management practices at these facilities, the following Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been developed. Revision Date: 9/1/1994
Medical - You Wouldn't Do This (Poster) Even though water used in your home is treated before it is discharged into the Bay, modern treatment facilities are not designed to remove medications. Revision Date: 4/1/2004
Photographic - Photoprocessing/X-Ray Source Control Program Over 75% of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s (RWQCP’s) influent silver originates from some 350 relatively small commercial facilities and institutions including photo shops, printers, graphic artists, photographers, dentists, chiropractors, clinics and others. Revision Date: 1/1/1998
Photographic - Pollution Prevention Practices for Printers The Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) has developed these guidelines for water quality protection in order to minimize discharge of metals and other potential pollutants from printers to both the sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Plumbers - Control Program for Copper-Based Root Eradicators Copper, a highly toxic metal, is present in significant amounts near the Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s (RWQCP’s) outfall in San Francisco Bay. Copper is especially poisonous in very small amounts to aquatic plants and animals such as shellfish in early life stages. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Restaurant/Food Services - Food Handling Facilities Fact Sheet Recent studies show that food handling facilities are one of the sources of releases of water pollutants to storm drains. Improper discharges of oil and grease, food particles, detergents, solvents, and other cleaning products into the storm drains can pose serious problems to our creeks and the Bay. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Restaurants - Avoid Fines and Health Risks from Grease Overflows Grease-related overflows are costly to clean up, and may expose restaurant customers or employees, food service workers, and others to health risks, or threaten wildlife by going to local creeks and the Bay untreated. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Contaminated Groundwater Discharge Fees The Regional Water Quality Control Plant began accepting treated contaminated groundwater in late 1987. Typically, groundwater is from remediation sites contaminated by industrial solvents or leaking fuel tanks. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Sewer Fees For Toxics The City of Palo Alto instituted, on a pilot basis, a fee system for key toxic pollutants effective July 1, 1992. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near polluted streams or baylands. Construction sites are common sources of storm water pollution. Materials and wastes that blow or wash into a storm drain, gutter, or street have a direct impact on local creeks and the Bay.
General Construction and Site Supervision Construction sites are common sources of storm water pollution. Materials and wastes that blow or wash into a storm drain, gutter, or street have a direct impact on local creeks and the Bay. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Stormwater Pollution From Heavy Equipment On Construction Sites Poorly maintained vehicles and heavy equipment that leak fuel, oil, antifreeze or other fluids on the construction site are common sources of storm drain pollution. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Commercial and residential sources make up a larger percentage of the total copper loading than ever before. Medical clinics, machine shops, laboratories, other industrial facilities, and residents are being asked to do their part by changing their practices.
2007 Copper Action Plan Report The purpose of this report is to present the data and information the RWQCP has gathered to address copper control actions. Revision Date: 6/4/2007
Copper Source Identification Because corrosion by far contributes the greatest amount of copper to the influent load, efforts to reduce copper discharges from corrosion could substantially reduce the observed copper levels. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pools and Spas Brochures Brochure on how to properly drain pools and spas. Revision Date: 7/1/2004
Dioxins Pollution Prevention Plan The sources and conveyances of dioxins to the wastewater treatment plant were identified in Dioxins Source Identification (EIP, 1997). Using the sources identified and the recommended source reduction strategies in that report, a pollution prevention plan was developed for the large conveyances of dioxins to the RWQCP. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Dioxins Source Identification The primary conveyances through which dioxins flow to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant appear to be laundry graywater, storm water inflow, shower water, human waste, and toilet paper. Primary local sources of dioxins appear to be residential wood burning and motor vehicles, particularly diesel-fueled motor vehicles. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
The facility operations involve hundreds of different activities, many of which have hidden environmental consequences. Nearly every facility contributes pollutants that find their way into the stormwater and wastewater systems.
Facility Managers Ordinance and Best Management Practices Modifying maintenance and facility management practices -- and requesting that your contracted service providers do the same -- will reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into the Bay. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Most people don’t realize that emptying oil and other pollutants into a gutter or storm drain contributes to pollution in our creeks and San Francisco Bay. The pollution prevention program works to regulate and educate residents and businesses through public participation, the keys to the success of environmental compliance programs.
Bay Area Wastewater Treatment Agencies Phone List Use the Bay Area Wastewater Treatment Agencies Phone List to find the agency that serves your location select your county. Look for the service area that contains your facility. Revision Date: 6/4/2007
Emily Renzel Wetlands Site Restoration Update The Emily Renzel Wetlands Site Restoration was designed to expand and enhance the growth of pickleweed, which is the habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Examples of Regional Water Quality Control Plant Program Activities Programs for vehicle service facilities, printed circuit board manufacturers and metal finishers, and pools are representative examples of the pollution prevention activities conducted by the Regional Water Quality Control Plant Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Help Save the Bay… Keep Pollution Away The pollution prevention program uses Flo the Raccoon to assist in getting the word out about pollution problems related to storm drains. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant Water Pollution Prevention Program The Regional Water Quality Control Plant Pollution Prevention Program addresses the sewer and storm water discharges of about 100 major industrial facilities, more than 1,000 commercial businesses, about 200,000 area residents. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Reclaimed Water Use The plant provides the water free of charge to permitted operators of tank trucks, including landscapers and construction contractors. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Statistical Analysis of Regional Water Quality Control Plant Data For three years (1995-1998), the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant collected influent and effluent concentration data for copper, nickel, and zinc on a weekly basis. The purpose of this document is to examine some of the factors that may influence these concentrations. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Urban Runoff Management Plan Palo Alto strives to implement a comprehensive water quality protection program covering both storm drain and sanitary sewer discharge issues. The comprehensive Urban Runoff Management Plan addresses these issues. Revision Date: 6/4/2007
Pollution prevention begins at home. Mercury, copper, dioxins and other pollutants are found in the home. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and the environment from household pollutants.
City of Palo Alto Woodsmoke-related Dioxin Reduction In response to regional concerns about dioxin emissions, the City of Palo Alto adopted a dioxin policy “to eliminate dioxin and its subsequent release to the environment” Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Home Darkroom Use Home Darkroom Users Drop Off Spent Photochemicals at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Swimming Pool And Spa Water Not For Storm Drains Because storm drains in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area flow directly to local creeks and south San Francisco Bay with no treatment, toxic pool treatment chemicals can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Woodsmoke Pollution, A Growing Concern In winter, fireplaces and wood-stoves generate 40 percent of the Bay Area’s particulate air pollution. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Woodsmoke Pollution: A Growing Concern - Fireplace Facts Woodsmoke is an important source of dioxins and other toxic compounds. Wood-smoke contributes 39 percent of dioxin air emissions in the Bay Area. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
In 1990 an Ordinance revision was adopted for the cities within the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area requiring the preparation of Waste Minimization (now called "Pollution Prevention") Plans.
2010 Annual Pretreatment Report This report focuses on the discharge activities and compliance status of permitted facilities within the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant's service area. Revision Date: 3/21/2011
Copper Dumping Incident Affects RWQCP Discharge For More Than A Month On January 29, 1995 (Superbowl Sunday), the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
(RWQCP) experienced the highest 24-hour average influent copper concentration in recent
history, 415 parts per billion (ppb), five times normal levels. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Cyanide Incident, November 1995 In November 1995, the cyanide in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s discharge to San Francisco Bay increased dramatically from typical values of 3 to 4 parts per billion (ppb) to as high as 40 ppb. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Industrial Pollution Prevention In 1990 an Ordinance revision was adopted for the cities within the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area requiring the preparation of Waste Minimization (now called "Pollution Prevention") Plans. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Industrial Waste Enforcement In 1989, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) began implementing enforcement procedures designed to impose monetary penalties. Enforcement since, has resulted in compliance agreements with industries that violated their discharge limits. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Ordinance Provisions and Local Limits for Industrial Wastewater Discharges Ordinance provisions became effective in January 1995 that affect businesses and institutions discharging wastewater to the sewer or to the storm drain system. The provisions clarify that the discharge of contaminated water to the storm drain system is not allowed. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention And Wastewater Treatment At Communications & Power Industries, Inc. Communications & Power Industries (CPI) has recently implemented pollution prevention projects to reduce its copper discharge and comply with sewer discharge requirements for metal finishers in the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention At Metal Finishers In 1995, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) adopted sewer use ordinance provisions that require metal finishing industries to implement pollution prevention. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention At Specific Plating Company Specific Plating has dramatically reduced its sewer discharges of copper and nickel. The company’s pollution prevention efforts include both modifications of industrial processes and improved waste handling and treatment techniques. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Contract Language For Construction Projects In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has coordinated with local government agencies and environmental groups to develop specific control measures to help reduce pollutants in storm water runoff. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Demonstration Project At Davila International Circuits Inc. In 1994, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) entered an agreement with a printed circuit board facility, Davila International Circuits (DICI), to perform a pollution prevention demonstration project. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Demonstration Project At Technitron, Inc. In 1994, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) entered an agreement with the printed circuit board facility TechniTron, Inc. to perform a pollution prevention demonstration project. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Davila International Circuits, Inc. This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Davila International Circuits, Inc. in Mountain View, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Electrite Company, Inc. This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Electrite Company, Inc. in East Palo Alto, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Martex Circuits, Inc. This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Martex Circuits, Incorporated in Mountain View, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Specific Plating Company This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Specific Plating Company in Palo Alto, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Symtron Corporation This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Symtron Corporation in Mountain View, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Review: Technitron, Inc. This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Technitron, Inc. in Mountain View, California. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Pollution Prevention Week Workshop Successful Pollution Prevention In The Metal Finishing Industry On the afternoon of September 17, 1996, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) hosted a workshop called “Successful Pollution Prevention” that highlighted the outstanding efforts of several local metal finishers and printed circuit board manufacturers that implemented pollution prevention projects at their facilities. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Wastewater Recycling & Treatment At Space Systems/Loral Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a satellite manufacturer located in the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area, has implemented a pollution prevention project that reduced its total wastewater discharge by more than 90%, and its copper discharge by 97%. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Wastewater Recycling At Ramlor, Inc. Ramlor, Inc. has successfully eliminated its discharge of wastewater to the sewer. The company’s pollution prevention efforts include spray rinsing and recycling of treated rinsewater. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Wastewater Recycling At Watkins-Johnson Company Building 5 Watkins-Johnson’s Building 5 wastewater treatment system began processing waste water in February 1994. In April 1996, Watkins-Johnson Company began to use the treatment system to recycle a large fraction of its process waters from its Building 5 semiconductor fabrication operations. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Wastewater Treatment At Martex Circuits Incorporated Martex Circuits Corporation (Martex) has reduced its sewer discharges of copper and nickel. The company has used a sand filter and better treatment chemicals to improve waste handling and treatment techniques. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has listed all segments of San Francisco Bay as impaired due to mercury pollution based on exceedance of the Basin Plan numeric objective for mercury in water (0.025ppb), and that fish consumed from San Francisco Bay have mercury levels that may threaten human health.
City of Palo Alto Mercury and Dioxin Elimination Policy To eliminate the use of mercury and its subsequent release to the environment., the City will evaluate pollution prevention opportunities to eliminate mercury and dioxin sources from municipal, commercial, industrial and residential activities. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
City of Palo Alto Residential Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program The RWQCP initiated a recycling program for these bulbs in conjunction with five local hardware stores and a local fluorescent lamp recycler. Residents simply drop off expired T-8, T-12, tube, compact or U-shaped tubes which are stored in barrels provided by the recycler. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Fluorescent Lamps and Recycling - A Good Combination By using more energy efficient lighting and recycling old bulbs, businesses and residents will save energy and help reduce air and water pollution. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Memorandum - City of Palo Alto Mercury Use Because adopting a mercury reduction policy could affect future purchases of mercury-containing items, this memorandum identifies mercury-containing items that Palo Alto may be buying. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Mercury Headworks Analysis for 2000 Since 1997 the RWQCP has estimated the relative amounts of mercury from laboratories, hospitals, dental offices, human waste, food waste, industrial processes, stormwater inflow, and miscellaneous other activities. This quantification has been based upon local monitoring data, studies by other wastewater treatment plants, and the scientific literature. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Mercury In San Francisco Bay... What You Should Know The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has listed all segments of San Francisco Bay as impaired due to mercury pollution. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Mercury Pollution Prevention Plan Over the past few years, the RWQCP has put in place several programs that reduce sources of mercury discharges. Among them are a program to reduce the use of mercury thermometers; best management practices for hospitals and other medical facilities, laboratories and pottery studios; and distribution of a guide to installing graywater systems. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Mercury Sources and Alternatives Mercury Sources and Alternatives in Health Care SOURCE: Adapted from “Mercury reduction in the health care section” The list contains some common sources of mercury in health care and general information about alternatives. More detailed information on select alternative products can be found in the alternative product section. Revision Date: 7/25/2007
PVC Alternatives Don't use PVC use these instead... Revision Date: 7/26/2007
Ree-Cycle Yer Burnt Out Fluorescent Lights! Significant mercury sources are found in household items like fluorescent lights, thermometers, and thermostats. You can help keep mercury out of the Bay by recycling burned-out fluorescent lights. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
SB 633: California’s Mercury Reduction Act of 2001 Eliminating unnecessary mercury sources, such as specific consumer products, is a critical task because of increasingly stringent mercury discharge limits for wastewater treatment plants. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
In 2001, the City of Palo Alto adopted a reduced-risk pest management policy and drafted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for the use of pesticides by City staff and contractors. The goal is to minimize pesticide use and utilize only the least toxic chemicals to accomplish essential tasks. This is to be achieved through an annual quantification of the City's pesticide use and continual improvement of pest control strategies.
In 2001, the City of Palo Alto adopted a reduced-risk pest management policy, and drafted a plan for the use of pesticides by City staff and City contractors in order to minimize pesticide use and utilize only the least toxic chemicals to accomplish essential tasks.
2002 City of Palo Alto Pest Management and Pesticide Use Report The results presented in this second annual report demonstrate significant staff efforts to respond to information and goals provided in the 2001 Annual Report (published in July 2002). Revision Date: 6/6/2006
2008 City of Palo Alto IPM Report Report summarizing the pesticide application practices within the City of Palo Alto. Revision Date: 4/22/2009
City of Palo Alto 2003-2004 IPM Program Update Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as reduced-risk pest management, encourages long term pest prevention and suppression through a combination of techniques. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
City of Palo Alto 2004 IPM Program Update Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as reduced-risk pest management, encourages long-term pest prevention and suppression through a combination of techniques. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
City of Palo Alto Integrated Pest Management Plan The City will ensure that general staff and staff who are responsible for pest control will adhere to both the City-wide and division specific pesticide plan and procedure requirements. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Creating a Beneficial Bug Tub One way to encourage visiting beneficials to be permanent pest patrollers is to grow flowers that are good producers of nectar and pollen; with your help they’ll have food when pest populations decline. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - Ants The Argentine ant is a frequent invader in California homes. Although they can be pests, ants provide an ecological cleansing and fertilization service of considerable importance. For Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - Controlling Aphids In Your Garden Most plants can tolerate low to moderate numbers of aphids without noticeable damage. On some plants, however, large numbers of aphids can distort foliage and flowers and stunt plant growth. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - Controlling Yellowjackets Around Your Home With their potent sting, yellowjackets can be menacing creatures when it comes to a showdown over the picnic table. Few people are aware that yellowjackets are voracious predators of insect pests such as caterpillars and flies. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - How To Control Weeds It is unrealistic to think that we can have a garden or a lawn that is entirely weed free. If you really want to solve your weed problem, you will need to spend some time, have some patience, and expend some effort. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - Problem Pesticides Evidence shows that a growing number of commonly purchased and applied pesticides can be harmful to both people and the environment. Part of the problem is the toxicity of the pesticides themselves, but an even greater factor is the sheer volume of pesticides people use, which ends up in our water, air, and soil. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Less-Toxic Pest Management - Wonderful Roses! To grow beautiful roses, you don't need to use pesticides and fungicides that may contribute to local water quality problems. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
"Our Water, Our World" Promotion Less-Toxic Product List This product list is intended to help stores participating in the "Our Water, Our World" promotion to stock less-toxic products that are compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Diazinon Diazinon is one of the most commonly used pesticides in California. In 1995, toxicity testing conducted by Alameda County (a San Francisco Bay area county) linked diazinon to toxicity in Bay Area creeks. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Diazinon in Urban Areas Diazinon is one of the most commonly used pesticides in California. In the past few years, diazinon has been found in surface water, wastewater, rain and fog in concentrations toxic to indicator species, and sampling data collected to date suggest that toxicity problems are widespread in urban areas. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
EPA Bans Dursban: What You Need To Know On June 8, 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with pesticide manufacturers that will remove chlorpyrifos, a commonly used insecticide (also sold as Dursban or Lorsban) from retail sale and most residential and professional uses by the end of 2001. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Organochlorine Pesticides Pollution Prevention Plan This document is intended to supplement the RWQCP’s primary pollution prevention plan, the Clean Bay Plan. During the RWQCP’s annual pollution prevention planning process, the RWQCP will also consider implementing actions identified in this report as “strategies for further consideration.” Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Organochlorine Pesticides Source Identification The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) conducted this study to investigate potential sources of organochlorine pesticides in the plant’s influent. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Technical Memorandum - Dioxin and 2,4-D One of the top ten most used herbicides in the U.S. is 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), which is derived from 2,4-dichlorophenol. Because of the use of 2,4-dichlorophenol to make 2,4-D, it contains traces of dioxin. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Urban Pesticide Restrictions For Water Quality Protection Studies by a variety of agencies suggest that copper-based root control agents can contribute 5 to 12 percent of the total quantity of copper received by a wastewater treatment plant. Analyses by the RWQCP suggest that only a few users of tri-butyl tin cooling water additives can cause the RWQCP's effluent to exceed the tri-butyl tin standard. Revision Date: 6/6/2006
Students can make an impact in preventing water pollution to help keep San Francisco Bay healthy.
Flo The Raccoon Visits Second Grade Classrooms Each school year, Flo the Raccoon makes special appearances in second grade classrooms to spread the word about storm drain protection and lead discussions about measures children and their parents can take to protect water quality. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Free Water Pollution Prevention Education Programs Your students can make an impact in preventing water pollution to help keep San Francisco Bay healthy. Our free programs provide a fun aqnd engaging way for each student to better understand their community and their important role in it. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Public Participation/Community Education Experience shows that people are more likely to change their behaviors if they fully understand environmental problems and the range of possible solutions, if they have participated in the process leading to a policy decision, and if they believe regulators are dealing with them in good faith. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
School Outreach Programs The RWQCP service area includes several school districts that have different needs and perspectives on environmental science education: Palo Alto Unified School District, Ravenswood School District in East Palo Alto, Los Altos Elementary School District, Mountain View School District, and 16 private schools. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Sewer Science Laboratory Program The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is sponsoring the Sewer Science Laboratory Program, a week-long, hands-on experiment in wastewater treatment. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Volunteers Stencil Storm Drains In 1991 Leadership Palo Alto and Girl Scout Troop 784 volunteers stenciled more than 60 storm drains in Palo Alto with the message, "No Dumping - Flows to Bay." The City hopes that both residents and workers will heed the message and help protect San Francisco Bay from chemicals, oil, solvents, pesticides, trash, and other pollutants. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Advanced Mercury Source Control Study - Work Plan The work plan is divided into two parts: 1. Advanced dental office source control, 2. Mercury use investigation at the RWQCP Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Advanced Mercury Source Control Study 2005 Annual Report of Activity Provision 4 of the RWQCP’s August 2003 Discharge Order requires that the RWQCP partners achieve further mercury reductions by developing and implementing an Advanced Mercury Source Control Study. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Control Program for Copper-Based Root Eradicators While the Regional Water Quality Control Plant removes about 90 percent of the copper that enters the plant, the remaining portion that reaches the Bay significantly exceeds regulatory standards. The plant can only meet its discharge limits if industry, commercial establishments, and residents reduce the amount of copper they release into the sewer. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Cooling Water Systems Source Control Program Copper, zinc, chrome, and tributyltin can be found in the discharge from some cooling water systems. The Regional Water Quality Control Plant is working to reduce the discharge of all of these metals to the sanitary sewer and the storm drain system. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Laboratory Facilities Source Control Program In 1993, the RWQCP implemented a program for laboratories. About 100 laboratories in the area conduct chemistry, biotechnology, medical, engineering, and semiconductor research and development. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Mercury Source Identification Bioaccumulation of mercury produces relatively high concentrations of mercury in higher organisms, such as fish. Human exposure to mercury affects the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and liver, and interferes with normal fetal development. In humans, elevated mercury levels can cause mental and physical retardation. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Metal Control Measures Plan (Vol. 1) and Evaluation of Nine Metals of Concern (Vol. 2) In August 1995, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) reissued the second 5-year NPDES permit to the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program. One of the permit provisions required the Program to develop a Revised Metals Control Measures Plan to reduce copper and other metals in storm water. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBS) Pollution Prevention Plan The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) releases polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the San Francisco Bay through its treated effluent and could potentially release them to soil if sludge management practices change. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Source Identification (1997) The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) conducted this study to investigate sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the plant’s influent. PCBs arrive at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant from stormwater inflow, landfills, hazardous waste management, human waste, and food waste. The sources of these PCBs are materials and equipment manufactured prior to 1977, when the manufacture of PCBs ceased. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Reasonable Control Measures For Industrial Copper Discharge Reduction 12/31/98 Status Report This edition presents the status of copper discharge reduction projects at metal finishing shops and circuit board manufacturers as of 12/31/98, 30 months after the enactment of the new sewer ordinance that established copper discharge limits for these firms. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Stormwater Pollution Control Requirements It’s Federal Law - Urban stormwater runoff is a significant source of pollution to the nation’s waters. In 1987 Congress began to address this problem by requiring municipalities with storm drain systems to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Tracking Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Releases in a Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly used flame-retardants that are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Wastewater treatment plants are one source of PBDEs to the environment through their discharge of treated effluent and land application of sewage sludge. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Vehicle Service Facility Source Control Program In order to become a Clean Bay Business, each facility must comply with all ordinance requirements to prevent pollutant discharges to sewers and storm drains. Revision Date: 6/8/2006
Zinc Source Identification The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) conducted this study to investigate sources of zinc in the plant’s influent. Although zinc is relatively nontoxic to humans, its ecological effects are of greater concern. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Low Dioxin-Impact Paper Products Memorandum In 1997, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) prepared a study identifying sources of dioxins and a Dioxins Pollution Prevention Plan to reduce the amount of dioxins entering the plant in wastewater Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Alternatives to Pentachlorophenol-Treated Utility Poles Wood preservatives are used to protect wood against rot and infestation. Pentachlorophenol (also known as “penta” or “PCP”) is a common wood preservative that contains traces of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (referred to collectively as “dioxin”). Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Diesel Fuel Combustion and Dioxin Available data show that exhaust from the combustion of diesel fuel contains dioxin. This memorandum summarizes available information about dioxin in diesel fuel exhaust. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Dioxin and Polyvinyl Chloride Memorandum This memorandum reviews some environmental concerns regarding the production, use, and disposal of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and explores potential alternatives to its use. PVC is a common plastic often referred to as “vinyl.” Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Dioxin Releases from Tire Wear Dioxins are believed to be present in at least some tires as a result of the use of chloranil during the manufacturing process. The attached calculations estimate the upper range of the potential dioxin concentration in tires. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Mercury Reduction Menu This mercury reduction menu is intended to help water agencies better understand the options that exist to reduce mercury discharges. It focuses on mercury reduction programs that have been implemented by water agencies and others, and includes some ideas for programs that have not yet been tried. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Mercury Source Identification Update: Dental Offices And Human Waste This technical memorandum updates the Mercury Source Identification prepared for the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) in August 1997 to better estimate the load attributable to mercury discharges from dental offices (EIP Associates 1997). Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Technical Memorandum - Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant Mercury Loading Mass Balance The objective of this study was to characterize typical plant mass transfer of mercury (Hg) across the treatment plant and incinerator mass balance “boundaries” (see Figure 1), as well as account for all known significant mass flows in and out of the mass balance boundaries. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Tracking the Fate of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of compounds that bioaccumulate in the food web and are considered potential endocrine disruptors. An endocrine disruptor is a compound that that can interfere with the normal hormone function in humans and animals that controls metabolism, growth and reproduction. Revision Date: 6/14/2006
In order to reduce pollution from vehicle service facilities, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) developed a Clean Bay Business Program to recognize vehicle service facilities that proactively reduce discharge of water pollutants to sewers and storm drains in compliance with ordinance requirements.
Auto Parts Stores Clean Bay Business Program The vehicle service facilities program involves education and positive incentives, combined with enforcement, to encourage shops to reduce pollution and achieve compliance. Revision Date: 6/8/2006
Brake Pads and Water Pollution Many brake pads contain copper, and they contribute more than half of the copper in urban runoff. The Brake Pad Partnership is pursuing legislation to phase out copper use in brake pads. Revision Date: 10/1/2009
Cars Pollute Water Too - Car Wash Flyer Dirty, soapy water is on its way to the nearest creek when you wash your car on the street— or in a driveway that slopes to the gutter. Even biodegradable soap is initially harmful to creek life! Revision Date: 6/8/2006
Clean Bay Business List - Auto Shops More than 98% of vehicle service facilities in our communities are making special efforts to protect local creeks and San Francisco Bay Revision Date: 7/16/2012
Contribution Of Heavy Metals To Storm Water From Automotive Disc Brake Pad Wear This report describes the approach and findings of an investigation to evaluate the contribution of heavy metals to storm water by disc brake pad wear. The purpose of the study was to measure metal concentrations in disc brakes, and to estimate the pollutant load contributed by brake pad wear to storm water in Santa Clara Valley. Revision Date: 10/12/1994
Vehicle Service Facility Waste Minimization Program Five Year Summary Report As part of the effort to reduce pollution from vehicle service facilities, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant developed the Vehicle Service Facility Waste Minimization Program, combining increased regulation, education, and positive incentives to encourage pollution prevention. Revision Date: 6/8/2006
Water Quality Impacts of Perchloroethylene in Consumer Automotive Products Perchloroethylene is a significant contributor to cancer risk imposed by wastewater treatment plants on communities surrounding the plants. One notable source is engine degreaser. (Tri-TAC Presentation) Revision Date: 6/14/2006
Public Works 2501 Embarcadero Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 T. 650-329-2598
